Surgery

Inpatient and ambulatory surgery is located on the third floor of the Bridwell Tower. There are 14 operating suites, many designed specifically for computer-assisted procedures.

Some of the advanced technology available includes:

Computerized navigation system for total joint replacements.
Computerized navigation system for neurosurgical procedures.
da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, for use in urological, gynecological, general, and certain other surgeries.
Hybrid endovascular suite, which combines endovascular, cardiac surgical, laparoscopic, and radiological capabilities, allowing flexibility and speed in the treatment of patients with the most complex cardiac and vascular conditions. The suite can accommodate minimally-invasive cardiovascular procedures and then convert into an open heart surgical suite if the need arises.

United Regional has surgeons trained in the following specialties:

Bariatrics
Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
Endoscopy
General
Gynecology
Neurosurgery
Oral and maxiofacial
Orthopedic
Plastic and reconstructive
Urology

We also have general surgeons who provide laparoscopic procedures including, but not limited to:

Appendectomy
Adrenalectomy
Amputations
Breast Biopsy, Mastectomy, Sentinel Node
Cholecystectomy
Colon Resections
Diagnostic laparoscopy
Gastric Bypass
Hernia repairs and robotic hernia repairs
Linx Reflux Management (to treat GERD)
Lymph node biopsy
Nissen Fundaplication (to treat GERD and Hiatus Hernia)
Splenectomy

Minimally Invasive Procedures

In open surgery, the traditional way of performing an operation, surgeons make long cuts through skin, muscle and sometimes bone. Recovery from open surgery can be painful and slow. Some patients may not resume their normal routine for months.

Minimally invasive procedures are performed through one or more tiny incisions, with much less trauma to the body. For most patients, this leads to significantly less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, less blood loss, and in some cases, a better overall outcome. Minimally invasive surgery may also allow more people who may not be candidates for open surgery, to undergo surgical repair.

Although laparoscopic techniques vary widely, surgeons generally insert an endoscope, a long thin tube with a lighted camera at its tip, through a small incision. The camera sends a two-dimensional image of the surgical site to a high-definition monitor, which the surgeon watches throughout the operation. Specially designed surgical instruments are placed through the original cut or through other small incisions.

The number of incisions depends on the type of surgery, but the trend is to use fewer and shorter incisions. It’s not uncommon for some abdominal operations, such as gallbladder surgery, to be performed through a single incision around the navel. In such cases, patients require only an overnight hospital stay and heal without a scar.

Robotic-assisted surgery is an advanced form of minimally invasive surgery. Robotic technology provides magnified, three-dimensional views of the surgical site and gives surgeons greater precision, flexibility and control than is possible with standard laparoscopic instruments and techniques. Important benefits for patients include less blood loss, a considerably faster, less painful recovery and reduced scarring.

To find a surgeon, please visit our Physician Directory, or contact United Regional Call-a-Nurse at 940-764-8570 or 800-982-9799.